2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Dec 23, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]


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Psychology (B.A./B.S.)



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Program Coordinator/Contact

Rebecca Martin, Interim Department Head
Department of Psychology
Hansen Hall 029
605-688-4930

Program Information

Psychology is the discipline concerned with the study of behavior and mental processes. It is a tremendously broad field spanning subject matter from the biological to social sciences. The study of psychology prepares students for work in fields like health care, counseling, education, social work, human resources, statistics, probation and corrections, business, politics, public relations, and more. Psychologists are commonly found working in conjunction with other professionals to contribute to every area of society. Advisors assist students to personalize curriculum plans to meet career and educational goals.

Student Learning Outcomes

In the Psychology major, students will:

  • Express fundamental knowledge and comprehension of major concepts in psychology. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
  • Apply scientific reasoning to psychological issues/problems. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving; Ethical Reasoning)
  • Show an understanding of diversity and ethical/social responsibility in professional settings. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
  • Write competently in APA style. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
  • Demonstrate oral competency. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)

Academic Requirements

Psychology does not permit the double use of courses in its major with a minor.  All psychology courses that count toward the major must receive a C or better grade.

Course Delivery Format

Psychology courses are delivered at multiple locations (Brookings Main Campus and the Community College for Sioux Falls), and in multiple formats including face-to-face lecture, discussion, and laboratory courses, as well as online courses.

Requirements for Psychology Major: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

System General Education Requirements


College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements


  • One declared minor outside of the major prefix OR a second major OR a teaching specialization. The minor may be a traditional minor within one department or it may be interdisciplinary involving more than one department. The minor can be in a different college. The minor must be declared no later than the student’s third semester of enrollment.
  • Capstone course in the major discipline
  • Upper division coursework Credits: 33

Bachelor of Arts Requirements: 9+

Bachelor of Science Requirements: 13+

System General Education and/or major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements. Consult program advisor for details. See the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences  for additional information about Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science specifications.

Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

System General Education Requirements 30 Credit Hours
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements* 9+ Credit Hours
Major Requirements 38 Credit Hours
Electives** 43 Credit Hours

Bachelor of Science in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

System General Education Requirements 30 Credit Hours
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements* 13+ Credit Hours
Major Requirements 38 Credit Hours
Electives** 45 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements, Major Requirements, and Supporting Coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements.  
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.

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